This festive parfait dessert features creamy rice pudding layered with sherry-laced cranberry sauce.

Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits

1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Dash salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (1 1/2-ounce) envelope whipped topping mix, prepared
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons sherry (optional)

1. Combine rice, milk, sugar and salt in saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add vanilla. Cool.
2. Fold in prepared whipped topping mix.
3. Combine cranberry sauce and sherry, if used.
4. Alternate rice mixture and cranberry sauce in parfait glasses or dessert dishes.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of the USA Rice Federation.